Realities of Revival

Dr. E. A. Johnston is a fellow of the Stephen Olford Institute for Biblical Preaching and has written a number of books including A Heart Awake, the authorised biography of J. Sidlow Baxter.

In Realities of Revival the author explores the spiritual principles that have characterized all such periods and it is evident that he writes with a burning desire that believers might return to those principles today. The author is noted for his boldness of speech and this current book is no exception. He laments the spirit of nominal professions and worldliness that he sees present in many local churches today and warns of the destructive effect these will ultimately have.

The book consists of twenty-two very brief chapters, which makes it easily readable. It begins by describing the need for revival, defines what revival is, ‘a visitation from God’, identifies hindrances to revival and what fosters revival, ‘revivals are birthed from prayer and confession’, and then the personal spiritual exercise that must mark all who desire to see ‘revival’. This is a very practical and challenging book that read and responded to will be of spiritual profit to the reader.

In concluding this review, two points should perhaps be mentioned: first, that the book is written from a pre-eminently American perspective and not an assembly one; second, it should perhaps carry a health warning for Welsh readers, the author describing Wales as a ‘little country … a tiny hamlet’!

[Our thanks to Richard Catchpole, South Norwood, for this review]